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Located quite a distance from the 23rd parallel, my island is right there, through the living room, just beyond the French doors, and situated about two-thirds of the way from the wall in my humble kitchen.

This is the place where my fan club, my girls and the occasional guest, get to see the real me.

Remembering how I conquered her....

They say, a way to a woman's heart is through her ... well you can fill in the blanks for me. Let's just say, that my culinary skill has come in handy many a time.

I was in a mood, a peculiar mood on this Saturday. Thought I'd start with a quick dinner followed then by a nice girly movie. Wait, were you thinking somthing else ? Don't go there. This blog is rated triple G.

Here are my three dishes, two courses followed by desert: pasta, pork goodness and a special salad.

Three Cheese Ravioli in Mushroom sauce

Three Cheese Ravioli in Mushroom Sauce

There isn't much to this dish . Sautee your favorite mushrooms, use them as toppings for any kind of plain ravioli. I used three cheese fresh ravioli. As mentioned before, I like to freeze the ravioli beforehand. This ensures that I keep them al dente as all pasta must be served. The sauce was made with cremini mushrooms. Make sure, repeat, make sure that the mushrooms are fresh as they tend to become too aromatic, on the negative side if they are not. Top your dish with a freshly grated cheese such a aged asiago.

The ravioli were followed by a hearty meat dish , with subtle hints of sweetness,

Thick Pork Chops with Bourbon Molasses Mustard Glaze

Thick Pork Chops in Bourbon Molasses Mustard Glaze

These thick chops were first browned to seal in juices and moistness, then baked with a mustard glaze made with Makers Mark and molasses. . An additional hint of mirin was also added for more sweetness.Grain mustard was used to make it stand out as well counterbalance with some acidity..

The godess also got flowers as the Greeks once prescribed. A bouquet of another kind was offered to the divinity.

Bouquet Pear Tomatoes on Savory Cucumber salad

Bouquet of a different kind

I sliced the cucumbers longitudinally, layered them in a thick lattice and then seasoned each layer. I topped the cucumbers with pear tomatoes that were cut through radially (too much geometry in this sentence, isn't there?) . Seasoning consisted of EVOO , salt and a very lite drizzle of white vinegar. Caperberries garnished things while adding a bit more flavor. Let his salad sit about 1/2 before serving so that the salt allows some juices and flavor to develop.

And of course the finished spread.

The Spread

All served with some Italian bubbly, a crispy Prosecco.

Yes, Saturdays dinners at home can be romantic. Let's say the fan club was particularly appreciative, especially for the, late dessert

I am a professional technologist, and aspiring food celebrity. I left my heart Italy where the imprint of past civilization still permeates all aspects of life and culture, and yes, a good does of Amore. Until then, my kitchen island is for you.